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Mackenzie & Mackenzie P.I. #2

All Sleuth and No Play

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From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Hart comes the next nail-biting adventure of the hilarious mother-daughter Mackenzie Mackenzie PI team!

Another day, another secret.

Novice PI Mackenzie Taylor is going stir crazy. Deep in the throes of a classic New England winter, the endless hours of following cheating spouses have left her feeling jaded and restless. Not to mention the emotional tug of war when the father of her teenage child suddenly starts hanging around and putting a major crimp in Mackenzie’s fledgling relationship with the hot Detective Hunter Black. So when she's asked to help find a missing bride, Mackenzie jumps at the chance to do some good.

Juggling the missing persons case, two headstrong men, being a new landlord of a rundown building, and a sixteen-year-old daughter/ BFF actually acting her age for once and crushing on a much older man has Mackenzie’s contemplating the upside of running away from home. Instead she throws herself into work. But the more dirt she digs up on the missing bride, the murkier the investigation becomes. Was it a simple case of post wedding jitters or did the missing woman make a fatal mistake? And is Mackenzie about to follow her footsteps right into the clutches of a killer?

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2017

134 people are currently reading
111 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer L. Hart

72 books477 followers
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USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Hart writes about characters that cuss, get naked, and often make poor but hilarious life choices. A native New Yorker, Jenn now lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her imaginary friends. Her works to date include the Cougars and Cauldrons series, the Silver Sisters series and the upcoming Legcay Witches of Shadow Cove.


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5 stars
204 (57%)
4 stars
113 (32%)
3 stars
33 (9%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
1,383 reviews18 followers
March 22, 2019
A gripping story that includes everything I love. Great characters, varied relationships that grow and the story is fast moving. The mystery is good with just enough clues to keep me engaged but not so many as to give it away or become confusing. The dialogue is fast with humor, wit, romance and appropriate drama.
Profile Image for Sally.
189 reviews18 followers
September 9, 2017
OMG!! This book was so much better than the first! I totally loved it! It was a bit predictable towards the end but it still kept me on edge and I really really enjoyed it! I can't wait for the third book!
1,394 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2025
Any similarity to the Gilmore Girls is purely superficial. Lorelei and Rory were way more fun and way smarter than Mackenzie and Mac. Still, it was an enjoyable book.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,223 reviews40 followers
March 24, 2017
Mackenzie, Mac and everyone are back and sleuthing again.

I love how Mackenzie is growing into her role as a PI I can so see her doing this forever and eventually Mac working right beside her.

I love, love, love that she is giving her relationship with Hunter a proper go I really love them together and I love Hunter's family they fit right in.

I'm not a fan of ex Brett he just doesn't fit in, I get that he is Mac's dad and all but he just doesn't fit in the way he keeps popping in is getting creepy especially when Mac's not home it might be just me but I just can't bring myself to like the guy and his family sounds horrible.

The mystery was awesome I loved all the twists and the ending was wow and I mean wow wasn't expecting that at all I loved it.

looking forward to more from Mackenzie, Mac and Hunter :-)
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
October 25, 2023
I enjoyed this book, however there was a bit too much romance for my liking and I didn't think it really left much room for the investigation. Don't get me wrong there are no sex scenes, it is more the affections of two men trying to win her over, although that does mean the characters have developed nicely from the first book. I love the characters especially the mother daughter relationship between Mackenzie and Mac. I enjoyed meeting Hunters family and of course the dysfunction of Mackenzie own family adds to the drama, gives you some laughs and even a bombshell is dropped at the end of the book. The mystery was interesting and I had no clue who the killer was or the stalker but it plays out well keeping me hooked and entertained until the very end.
Mackenzie tired of following cheating spouses wants a real case. That is until she finds out it means working with her ex. A bride has gone missing just days after her wedding. Her ex is working for the woman's parents and she will be working for the husband. Can Mackenzie work with her ex and find her? A storm is going to hit the city but Mackenzie finds she has a lot more to worry about than some snow and cold weather. Somebody is leaving her messages, her dog escapes the garden, she has a leaky roof, a too hot to handle tenant that wants to be more than friends, a flakey ex who is upsetting there daughter and a disapproving mother to deal with. Just another day for private detective Mackenzie Taylor.
I liked the narrator. She kept the story entertaining with the magic of her voice.
2,503 reviews
April 27, 2023
free ebook
i really liked the first one of the series
she is in apt bldg she owns, her mom lives upstairs
there is a cute cop next door apt
her teen daughters dad is pi and offers to let her work with him to investigate this one case of a missing woman who just got married so shes not just looking for cheating spouses where she normally works

there was a womans body found in a dumpster and they think it is her

someone is stalking the lady in her apt, she changed the locks on the doors, but they still got in. they cut her face off a photo and took her blanket and jacket and mug

her daughters father left her stranded and left the 16 yr old home alone when he got arrested

she is having a relationship with the cop next door but her daughter doesnt like him
his family likes her, but hasnt met her daughter yet

she has so many repairs on the apt bldg, hole in the ceiling, mold
she thinks she will sell the muscle car she inherited to pay for it, though she loves that car

Her daughter's dad offers to pay since he never paid child support

The dog went missing, the lady down the street called that she found him, but when she went over she was drugged and chained in the basement. The brother killed the other girl and now he wanted her. She fought him off and in rescuing her her cop boyfriend killed the sister, who he had dated. They found the dead mom buried in the backyard.

I love this series and hope to read more
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,769 reviews23 followers
April 29, 2023
All Sleuth and No Play

Jennifer L. Hart has written a deadly case of cat and mouse that no one realizes is happening Working on a difficult missing person case Mackenzie is bombarded with family drama taking up more space than she can handle at the moment and things seem to be disappearing from her home while other parts of her home are actually falling apart. This well written mystery is packed with half truths, lies and betrayals and every time you feel you're close to figuring out what's happening new information comes to light changing everything .There are layers that need to be brought into focus.The characters will have you captivated from the first page then you're enticed further through the allure of others secrets,the intrigue of a missing woman, all drawing you into a plot that you won't see coming. Acquire " All Sleuths and No Play " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment that you won't be able to put down until you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Kat
429 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2019
Really enjoyed, great series

I really like the mother daughter relationship in this series. The story moved along well. The humor is great. The relationship between Mac and Hunter continues to develop. In this story, Mac has to work on a case with her ex. Having just found out he is the father of a teenager , the ex is trying to find his place in his daughter's life. That causes some friction in the character dynamics. Mac has pressure to share her daughter with another parent, she is facing home repair issues and is working a case with her ex. All this thrown together with her neighbor Hunter and her continued strained relationship with her own mother. The mysteries take a darker turn as Mac juggles competing priorities and some teen drama. I have already started the third book AND looked to see what else the author has available. Definitely start with book 1. Fun series.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,107 reviews133 followers
March 20, 2017
[I volunteered to review this book after I was gifted it by the author]

"Building relationships is crucial to a private investigator. Be careful who you stomp on and even more careful who you trust. Grudges have long memories."

Mackenzie is still working for Len as a PI in training.And if that wasn't enough, her latest case has her tagging along with Brett Archer, aka the father of her brilliant teenager Mac. Add to that maintaining a small apartment house where her mother as well as her newish boyfriend Hunter the cop also live. Hunter's back story gets introduced as Mackenzie meets his family and sees their dynamic in action.

As the case,she and Brett are working on begins to fall apart, Mackenzie's coffee driven uncensored mouth might just get her into...or out of trouble. Add a good ol' Boston snowstorm and too much begins to be uncovered with the melting snow and ice.

This is the second book in the author's new series of cozy mysteries about Mackenzie and MacKenzie Taylor: a Mother and her teen daughter who are cluelessly drawn to Private Investigation in Boston MA. The first book set the foundation for the series and this one starts to build on that. I have to say, this one is even better than the first! So pull up a comfy chair and your biggest cup of hot liquid and settle in for a story that will take you away. 5 stars
Profile Image for Biggs_bookshelf.
1,594 reviews27 followers
June 21, 2021
This book was amazing. The cozy mystery was spot on and the relationships are constantly evolving and tugging at your heart strings. We dive deep into Hunter and oh my feels. But I loved the depth and insight into the sexy detective. A lot of added drama and a huge bomb is dropped at the end. Characters are witty and fun and I love the coffee obsession. I will say this book may have some triggers that aren’t normally seen in Jennifer’s books so if you have them heads up but I loved the additional darker layers that just made this story that much more. Narrator was perfect for the story!
1,982 reviews8 followers
May 3, 2023
Audiobook: Book 2 in the "Mackenzie & Mackenzie PI Mysteries" was as entertaining as the first one. I enjoyed all the twists and turns as the mystery unfolded. I appreciated the complex relationships that developed as secrets were revealed and growth occurred within the characters. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Suzanne Cerreta's narration was fabulous, and her performance was entertaining. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
836 reviews10 followers
March 22, 2017
Killer Plot!!

This story reminds me of a roller coaster - starting out slow & steady till it reaches the top & then OMG you'd better hang on because you're in for one thrilling ride! There is murder, a stalker, & lots of dysfunctional family interactions, plus a flourishing romance that all adds up to a cleverly plotted story that tugs at the heart strings. It was impossible to put down!! Can't wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,730 reviews18 followers
December 10, 2018
This one is full of surprises

Oh my gosh was this one ever loaded with surprises. I was late to teach water aerobics because I just couldn't stop reading this one. What a cliffhanger ending.
7,748 reviews49 followers
April 23, 2020
They are back sleuthing again MacKenzie and Mac, giving us a good mystery with enough clues to hold us to the end. Her romance with Hunter sounds promising. Good story and good narration. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Profile Image for Marjorie.
374 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2021
Many say the similarities to The Gilmore Girls bothers them. Not me. I did not watch that show all that much. But inmy opinion it was blander than these books. I liked it. I like the sarcastic humor. Learning to be a PI is a whole lot of trouble.
436 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2017
Mac squared are a great team and I'm pleased we are not playing will they wont they with Brett
4,417 reviews43 followers
April 23, 2023
Who killed Gwen and why??? Psychos??? I enjoyed this story - dark as it was - and recommended the book.
12 reviews
March 16, 2024
Fun

I enjoyed the story, so many interesting people all together with each character having issues of their own to deal with.
491 reviews11 followers
April 13, 2024
Excellent read!

I absolutely love Mackenzie and Mac! This book has a great plot and the characters are so engaging, even the villains. Definitely recommend this book and the series.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,529 reviews
November 4, 2025
Interesting plot but "quirks" are too hard to follow. For example, mother and daughter's first names are both Mackenzie.
Profile Image for E.
1,871 reviews
March 6, 2019
Loved this book! The ending was great. I can't wait to read book#3
Profile Image for krysley.
300 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2020
Boy oh boy, do I love this series. So. Much.

Jennifer L. Hart wrote a great follow-up to Sleuthing for a Living. I love all the characters and Suzanne Cerreta does an excellent job narrating the book. This did turn out a little darker than I expected it would, but I loved every second of it.

I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Imjussayin.
561 reviews10 followers
September 24, 2017
In A Nutshell: An inviting premise that of a mother-daughter team. Mackenzie is an aspiring PI. Her computer genius daughter, Mac, is the backstop. MacKenzie is working on a missing person case until the police find the brutalised body. Well written blending mystery, suspense, romance, love, and conflict. I found it a delightful read but but it ain't cosy!

The Plot: Mackenzie's second investigation starts straightforwardly looking for a missing bride.
Then the police find her body brutalised. And as Mackenzie looks for evidence to clear her client of murder, at home mystery gifts are appearing and things are vanishing.

The Protagonist(s): Mackenzie Elizabeth Taylor is a single mother and aspiring PI. Mackenzie is snarky but humorous.
She is gutsy, fiercely independent and has commitment issues. But she has a very strong and honest relationship with her daughter. Mackenzie Elizabeth Taylor Jr is known as Mac, to distinguish between mother and daughter. Just 16 years younger that her mother, Mac is smart, kind and mature, for the most part.

A surprisingly gripping read with solid characters, even the ones I don't like so much. I am glad to see Mackenzie developing.
Even behaving like a mother to Mac instead of her sister. There is a maturity to Mackenzie working with Brett Mac's father. It shows her character as she wants to learn how to be a better PI and be licensed. I also like how she manages her fraught relationship with her mother. However, her relationship with Hunter is way too fast and even reckless. And I found her spying on Hunter creepy. Also, the sexism, like Hunter, slapping McKenzie on the backside, makes it a frustrating read. Come on Lady author it’s the 21st century. Behaviour like that is not cute.

Brett's budding relationship with his daughter, Mac gives a new dimension to his personality and makes good reading. And the lovely cast of characters grows as we meet Hunter's family. I do wish we could meet late Uncle Albert Taylor PI, author of Working Mans Guide To Sleuthing. But I am also happy to read that my hunch from my book one review comes to fruition. Yay!

This is a novel that you live in your mind. The world and the scenes feel very real. And there are so many nice touches in this book. From the intergenerational aspect to oldie romance. Even Mackenzie redeems herself (mostly). It is well written and demands your attention.

Recommended.

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Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one or reread ?: Yes

My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre
Profile Image for Danielle Eisner.
249 reviews24 followers
May 3, 2017
Novice PI Mackenzie Taylor is going stir crazy. Deep in the throes of a classic New England winter, the endless hours of following cheating spouses have left her feeling jaded and restless. Not to mention the emotional tug of war when the father of her teenage child suddenly starts hanging around and putting a major crimp in Mackenzie’s fledgling relationship with the hot Detective Hunter Black. So when she's asked to help find a missing bride, Mackenzie jumps at the chance to do some good.

Juggling the missing persons case, two headstrong men, being a new landlord of a rundown building, and a sixteen-year-old daughter/ BFF actually acting her age for once and crushing on a much older man has Mackenzie’s contemplating the upside of running away from home. Instead she throws herself into work. But the more dirt she digs up on the missing bride, the murkier the investigation becomes. Was it a simple case of post wedding jitters or did the missing woman make a fatal mistake? And is Mackenzie about to follow her footsteps right into the clutches of a killer?

This is the second book in the Mackenzie & Mackenzie PI Series. I have read both of them and loved them both. I found myself literally laughing out loud at some of the antics Mackenzie found herself in. She is funny and I love her witty and sarcastic attitude. I'm a sarcastic person myself so I can easily relate to that. Some mystery series can be a little slow at times but not this one. With both books I was hooked from the very beginning.

Wow they ending...my mouth literally dropped open. It was that shocking. There's a major surpise at the end that I did not see coming. I won't say what it is because I don't want to spoil it but it's good. I can't wait for the next book.

I really have enjoyed this series. This book is smart and exciting. The mystery is good and I love Mackenzie. If you love exciting mysteries with a sarcastic lead then this is the series for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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